Abstract
The lives of families in Germany have changed fundamentally in recent decades. In particular, young women are increasingly share an equal division of tasks between men and women. This makes it necessary to have fitting institutional childcare facilities. However, at present there is still a lack of childcare for children under the age of three. In addition, day-care centres must become educational institutions, as an increasing number of families do not speak German at home. A successful family policy is also necessary to make it easier for young people to decide for children, which is important given recent demographic shifts.